You can win it, but you can't beat it. You can catch it, but you can't tame it. The Desert Dash is more than an endurance mountain bike race, it's a wild beast that lures you, challenges you and allows only a few to stay on its back. It's a 373km, 24 hour fight between human and nature, body and mind.

Starting in Windhoek the route climbs the Khomas Hochland up to a level of 2000m above sea level. You'll pass through beautiful scenery with scattered thorn trees and high savanna grass, the only spectators kudu, springbuck and the odd oryx staring at you in the red African sunset. Navigating the sharp twists and turns of the descent, at one stage dropping 700m in only 10km, will be made even more difficult by the cold and darkness of a moonless night. The next day brings challenges of its own. Temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius while you cross the arid, rocky monotomy of the Namib Desert.

Prior to Nedbank becoming the headline sponsor of this iconic race, First National Bank presented by Pupkewitz-­Nissan offered a tough race meant only for the most endearing and committed racers both locally and internationally.

Gernot de Klerk Head: Marketing & Communications­ tells us that “the Desert Dash is unique to Namibia and known inter­nationally. Nedbank Namibia was ready to become involved in such an iconic race. Closely we have seen the immense growth and improvement of this phenomenal sport and our investment has produced the anticipated results.”

Encouraged by the vision to be the responsible brand for the Desert Dash, Nedbank Namibia inherited the brand equity and collateral to one of the most sought-after sporting events.

“Come race day, we see many of our clients, our potential clients, and our own people and many corporates that have followed suit in terms of sponsorship.

“Each year, race organisers attempt to elevate the race experience by bringing racers together in a safer environment. We are excited about the future prospects of the event and look forward to making great things happen once again.

“Any given weekend sees racers around the country being sponsored­ by private companies. In terms of a competitive edge, none of our competitors are playing in this space to the extent that Nedbank is, which warrants our brand as unchallenged.”